Conditioning can blank



July 1, 1941.

E. LAXO v CONDITIONING CAN- BLANK 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 1, 1940'Fiied July 1, 1940 s sheets-sheet 2 July 1, 1941. LAXO I 2,247,952

connrr xoume 01m BLANK I Filed July 1, 1940 s Sheets-Sheet; s

Patented July 1, 1941 UNITED STATES since 14 Claims.

This invention relates to treating flat stock, more particularly forforming into cylindrical structures or bodies.

This invention has utility in pre-forming and forming sheet metal stripinto cylindrical blanks for can bodies. In the carrying out of thisinvention, there is a gripping of the length of flat sheet stock withflexing during progress preferably beyond that of the ultimate form ofthe container. I

Referring to the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a plan view, with parts broken away, of a can forming machine,more particularly at the station involving feeding of the blanks,processing, configuring or notching, and reconditioning or forming forthe blank to go further into the can body machine;

Fig. 2 is a view of a blank as supplied, say for a sheet metal can body;

Fig. 3 is a plan view of the notched or configured blank as from theinitial conditioning and acted upon at the notching or configuringstation;

Fig. 4 is a View on the line IV-IV, Fig. 1, looking in the direction ofthe arrow, showing the device at the feed receiving side or initiatingthe flexing treatment of the sheet metal blank;

Fig. 5 is a section on the line VV, Fig. 4, showing the relation of themounting bracket terminal pair as assembled with the driving shaft;

Fig. 6 is a section on the line VI-VI, Fig. 4, showing the drive geartrain for the flexing roll pair;

Fig. 7 is a section on the line VIIVII, Fig. 4, showing the yiel-dablemounting between the rolls as effecting the flexing and herein for thelower or major diameter roll of the pair;

Fig. 8 is a section on the line VIII-VIII, Fig. 4, showing the directingelements for entrance and exit for the flexing regions in theprocessing, wherein the blank is delivered flat notwithstanding theflexing treatment;

Fig. 9 is a section on the line IXIX, Fig. 1, showing the re-processingor flexing for the stock somewhat analogous to that of Fig. 5 but withthe stock fed thereto from the opposite side;

Fig. 10 is a section on the line X-X, Fig l, of a view somewhat similarto that of Fig. 8, but likewise with the stock being received at theleft instead of at the right thereof, this type of device serving todeliver the stock not in the flat of Fig. 2 but in cylindrical form; and

Fig. 11 is a View of such cylindrical form of the blank as to bedischarged from the. device of Fig. 10.

The steps and general drive Blanks l (Fig. 2) are in way 2 (Fig. 1) andfrom there they pass to the structure having general feed body frame 3through station 4 in undergoing processing and to be delivered therefromto table portion 5. Transfer is effected therefrom to station 6, where,through the action between upper die 1 and lower die 8 as actuated bycam 9 on drive shaft l0, notching ll, I2, produces blank I3. From thisstation 6 there is transfer to station l4, and the blank I3 is therefrompassed through re-processing or flexing device l5 somewhat analogous tothe device at the station 4, except that the device at the station ldischarges the blank in the flat while herefrom at station l5 the blankpasses to be discharged for cylindrical blank body l6 (Fig. 11)

In the general carrying out of this sequence of operations, source ofpower as motor I! with transmission I8 may drive shaft I0 having thereondrive 20 for sprocket wheel Zl. On this shaft 10 is the cam 9 foroperating the dies 1, 8, at

' the notching or re-configuring station 6. Cam 22 is also on this shaftIii for a feed along the table from the station 5 past the station 6 tothe station l4 in proper sequence, with transverse feed from the stationI4 by cam 23. Cam 24 operates to device 25 (Figs, 1, 9) to shift thecylindrical blank from mandrel 26 toward the can body machine.Transmission 27 (Fig. 1) is a drive to shaft 28 (Fig. 9).

Primary flexing The device 4 (Fig. 1) is an attachment which as a unitmay be adapted generally to can body machines as a flexer or conditionerin conjunction with the feed thereto. This unit is actuated I at thesprocket wheel 2i (Fig. 4) on shaft 29 in frame 3?) mounted by bolts 3ito the frame 3 of the general machine. On this shaft 29 (Fig. 6) ispinion 32 in mesh with gear 33 upon a trunnion 34, in mesh with pinion35 on trunnion 36. The trunnion 36 is a terminus for minor roller 3'!(Fig. 8). This trunnion 36 is in anti-friction bearings 353 in mounting39. Anti-friction bearings 4b are for the shaft 29 of the drive. Remotefrom this frame 3! is frame 4| having bolts 42 effective as the frameportion 3t carries the remote end of this flexing unit and mounting suchwith the frame 3 and thereby carrying mounting 43 in alignment with themounting 39 for the minor roller 31 and companion major roll 44 havingthe trunnions 34. These mountings 39, 43, have guide Way 45 for slidemounting lance as to the upper guide roll 31. ,tioning of this exitportion or steelface Bl betunder directing shoe 61. from this station 5to the station 6 is effected 46 (Fig, '7) for anti-friction bearing 41for the trunnion 34. This slide mounting 46 in the way .45 has socket 48therein for compression helical spring 49, against which may bearadjustable stud 50. In this set-up, the upper minor roll 31 herein isshown as approximately 30 away from the vertical or perpendicular of theaxis of the roller 44 (Fig. 8).

The toothed relation between the gears or pinions 32, 33, 35, is suchthat the yielding action of the spring 49 does not clear thesestructures from relative meshing relation in the normal functioning ofthe machine hereunder, wherein from the feed station 2 the blanks I arefed.

The mountings 39, 43, have screws 5| assemble thereon bar 52 (Figs. 7,8) having entrance directing portion or steel breaker guide face 53.

roll 31. The compression spring 49 effects this firm gripping action tocompensate for any slight inequalities in the gage of the stock. Thereis rapidity in the feed and any flexing or throwing of the blank I maynot be into the region to be above the axis of the roll 31. Accordingly,there is guide steel or directing face 54 (Fig. 8) at strip 55 fixedWith the mountings 39, 43, and'extending therebetween. Anchored withthis strip 55 are eyes 56, from which extends pivotally connected bolt51 through strip 58 and there engaged by nuts 59. Compression spring 60on this bolt 51 between the strip 58 and the eyes 56 serves ascompression means holding breaker guide steel 6| at the adjustmentdetermined by the nut 59 for cleartween the roll pair has to do with thedelvery of the processed or flexed blank, in that such por- =tion may bein this instance re-flexed back toward flat for the blank at the station5.

The stock, fromthe face BI and over the roll 44 is fdirected by theguide 62 in the member 63 which has finger 64 carried by the frames.From this steel 52 there extends table portion 65 for this flattened orfirst serviced or flexed blank 66 The transverse shift through theactionof the cam 9 (Fig. 1) in operating the guide finger 64.

Screw 68 (Fig. '1) may be adjusted to deter- }mine the normal clearanceof the roll 44 toward theroll 31 by stop position as to the slide 46.

At such position lock 'nut 69 fixes the limit therefor as to thethrusting of the roller 44 towardor against the roller 31.

The bar 6! has terminal eyes or bearings on the trunnions 36 andthus'the face 6! may rock or swing on such bearings in providing therequired clearance as to the periphery of the roller 44.

This primary flexing as an attachment may function as supplemental to acan body machine adapted to receive the bodies in the flat. While it mayin some instances be deemed superfluous to supplement such flexing, thisattachment may not be required.

The func- Fleming to form instead of flat In instances for directlyforming to can body cylinder shape for the blank as in a specialattachment or part of the machine, there may be transmission 1| (Fig. 9)to drive major roll 12 (Fig 10) having minor opposing roll 13. From theroller 13 mounting frame 14 provides Way 15 for the slide 43 inrelatively yieldable mounting trunnions for this roller 12 as there issimilar yielding mounting 46 for the roller 44.

In lieu of the breaker 53 there is breaker 15 from a plate 11 havingscrews 18 anchoring in frame 19, wherein there is guide finger B6effecting feed to the station I4 of the blank 13 under. guide 8!. Thisguide 8| has directing face 82 toward the roller 13 as the blank 3 isdirected below the axis of this roller 13 toward the roller The sheetstock as passing from between the rollers, strikes steel guide face 89(Fig. 10). I

Plate 95 anchored by screws 9| with the frame 14 directs the stock tothe face 89. Similar to the frame 14 is a companion frame at the remoteend of the roller '12, 13. Fixed with this frame 14 is arm 92 carryingextension spring 93 extending to arm 94 rockable on pivot bearing 95.Fixed with the arm 94 is shoe 96 extending toward the mandrel 25. Thisstructiue operates as a yieldable deflector for the flexed blank aspassing between the roll pair 12, 13, for such blank to fit about themandrel 26 inside the directing housing 91. The stock may be thrustagainst such abutment or seat 98 for the one terminus of the blank. Atsuch position of the stock the follower terminus may not strike theroller 23 but passes along the face of guide 99 of bar I00 assembled bybolts IBI with intermediate structure from the bar 83. Accordingly,adjustment of the screw against the action of the spring 85 determinesthe tilt angle for this device 99, 83, back of which the end of theblank l6 as about the mandrel 26 may pass and from thence be fed by thefingers v25.

Adaptability The conditioning or flexing of sheet stock hereunder has todo primarily with tin plated black iron or so-called sheet metal. Thistin sheet stock is in practice handled at considerable speed in theforming machines. The mandrel is primarily adapted to a predeterminedlength blank or as to overall dimensions. The functioning of the deviceherein has to do with caring for departure in gage uniformity. Thepressures hereon are considerable and the required bearings may approachthe effective diameter for the minor roll. The minor roll in itsfunctioning determines an angle of flexure which in practice isdesirably beyond that of the ultimate cylindrical form the blank is totake. Due to such pressure holding there is a nicety for symmetricalform. This symmetrical form accordingly readily adapts the completedarticle as an efiicient device for tight sealing. The spring connectionsprovide give or yield against dimension change and the angular or axismountings are adapted to ranges of rocking or self-compensation againstwrecking of the machine and are factors for maintained efficientaccuracy in operation.

The adaptability herein as having to do with stock arises fromconditions even of different hardness of the sheet metal, wherein one asacted upon between the major and minor rolls of the pair may take agreater are of curvature than another similar thickness but of differenthardness or other properties. Accordingly, on the exit or take-off sidebetween the roll pair there is occasion to adjust the position of theguide 6| as normally toward or from the major roll 44, that is, awayfrom the line between roll centers. An adjustment functioning in asimilar manner is that of the guide 99 as to the major roll 12. Theposition of this guid BI is yieldably adjusted by the spring 60.However, in this adjustment any shifting of this guide BI is as to theroll 44 and not away from the roller 3'! for this guide BI is inbearings carried coaxial with the roll 31. In a similar manner the guide99 is mounted coaxial with the roll 13 in the bearings 84. Yielding orresistance thereto is from rocking as opposed by the tension spring 86instead of the compression spring 60. This spring 86 may permit theguide 99 to swing away from the roller 12 but maintains its positionconstant as to the periphery of the roller 73. It is found under thisadaptability for adjusting the guide 6! such may occur without requiringstopping the operation of the machine and merely by adjusting the nut 58as opposing the spring 60 on the bolt or stem 51. To

adjust the guide 99, such may occur through the bolt 85 as opposing thesprin 86.

What is claimed and it is desired to secure by United States LettersPatent is:

l. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a major diameter roll,flexed control feed means for sheet stock toward the major roll of thepair, a minor roll to effect squeeze action toward the major roll uponthe stock therebetween, said means including deflectors, for acting onthe stock at a bending angle less than that of the arc of the majorroll.

2. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a major diameter roll,flexed control feed means for sheet stock toward the major roll of thepair, a minor roll to eflect squeeze action I toward the major roll uponthe stock therebetween, said means including deflectors for acting onthe stock in directing bending for control about the minor diameterroll, and bearing means fixed with the machine for mounting one of therolls.

3. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a dissimilar diameter rollpair, and flexed control feed means for sheet stock between the rolls ofthe pair including deflectors for acting on the stock at the entrancebetween the roll pair and additional deflectors at the exit between theroll pair, said latter deflectors being located for efiective initiationmore close to the axis of the minor roll than the radius of the majorroll.

4. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a dissimilar diameter rollpair, and flexed control feed means for sheet stock between the rolls ofthe pair including deflectors for acting on the stock at the entrancebetween the roll pair and additional deflectors at the exit between theroll pair, said latter deflectors being located for effective directingof the stock from between the rolls to about the minor roll.

5. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a major diameter roll,flexed control feed means for sheet stock toward the major roll of thepair, a minor roll to effect squeeze action toward the major roll uponthe stock therebetween, said means including deflectors for acting onthe stock at entrance for following the curvature of the minor diameterroll of the pair.

6. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a dissimilar diameter rollpair, flexed control feed means for sheet stock between the rolls of thepair including deflectors for'acting on the stock at entrance forfollowing the curvature of the minor diameter roll of the pair, andyieldable control maintenance means between the rolls of the pair.

7. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a major diameter roll,flexed control feed means for sheet stock toward the major roll of thepair, a minor roll to effect squeeze action toward the major roll uponthe stock therebetween, said means including deflectors for acting onthe stock, and yieldable mounting means for one of the rolls of the pairas to the other roll for directing the stock to follow the curvature ofthe minor diameter roll.

8. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a major diameter roll,flexed control feed means for sheet stock toward the major roll of thepair, a minor roll to effect squeeze action toward the major roll uponthe stock therebetween, said means including deflectors for acting onthe stock, a yieldable mounting effective for the major roll andmounting means for the minor roll with which the yieldable mountingmeans is connected for directing the stock to follow the curvature ofthe minor diameter roll.

9. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a major diameter roll,flexed control feed means for sheet stock toward the major roll of thpair, a minor roll to effect squeeze action toward the major roll uponthe stock therebetween, said means including deflectors for acting onthe stock, and mounting bearings for the major roll extending into aregion nearer the axis of the major roll than its periphery.

10. A can forming machine, a body forming station for the machine, ablank feeder for the machine, a processing bender in which the blankfeeder may operate, a transfer therefrom, a blank configuring stationfor supplementally forming the blank, a blank processing bender for theformed blank, said benders embodying a major diameter roll, a minordiameter roll, and bearings for the minor diameter roll extending fromthe minor roll axis beyond the minor roll radius.

11. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a dissimilar diameterroll pair, and flexed control feed means for sheet stock betweentherolls of the pair including deflectors for acting on the stock at theentrance between the roll pair and additional deflectors at the exitbetween the roll pair, said latter deflectors including a guide fromadjacent the periphery of the minor roll, and a bearing for such guidecoaxial with the minor roll for mounting in constant relation to theperiphery of the minor roll as clearance for this guide may be varied asto the major roll.

12. A sheet stock processing machine embodying a dissimilar diameterroll pair, and flexed control feed means for sheet stock between therolls of the pair including deflectors for acting on the stock at theentrance between the roll pair and additional deflectors at the exitbetween the roll pair, said latter deflectors including a guide fromadjacent the periphery of the minor roll,

I a hearing for such guidecoaxial with the minor r l' c m nt n constan rati n to t e p r he y Q hemin r rlql ias l ar nce or h guide may be,varied as to the major roll, and yieidabiewmeans acting on said. guideto resist r k n of the u de as w th minor 01 13. A sheet stock prQQesine mach n e b dying a dissimilar diameter roll pair, flexed. controlfeed m ns f .sheets oqk, be een t e ro ls of the pair includingdeflectors for acting on the c nd mount ng hea ines for on roll e t ndinto a ion nearer the axis o th m j r0 n th P rip r of the m no 01 14. Asheet stock pvrQ'cessing machine embodying a roll pair, and flexedcontrol feed means for sheet stock between the rolls of the pairincluding deflectors for acting on the stock at the entrance between theroll pair and additional deflector se at the exit between the roll pair,said latter deflectors including a guide from aqjacent the periphery ofone roll and a bearing for such guide coaxial with such latter r011 formounting in constant relation to the periphery of such latter roll asclearance for this guide maybe varied in'distance from the lineconnecting the centers of such rolls. V E A Q-

